Last chapter.

CHAPTER 70-Fire Eternal

Something was nudging me awake. I groaned and shoved it away, but it came back, harder and more insistent.

Reluctantly, I opened my eyes. I was staring up at a swath of stars that danced and circled and whirled among a velvety backward, faster and faster until they were glowing blurs. I sat up in alarm. Where was I? I was supposed to be in the medicine cats' den.

I was lying on a swath of blue, glittering stars that pulsed and stirred as I heaved myself to my paws. My wounds were gone. I felt as light as a feather, unburdened and clean. The stars fluttered and glowed like fireflies above my head.

It was a warm place, a dry place, a safe place. I was content to stay here for a little while longer.

"Hello," an echoing voice said. Startled, I spun around. But I wasn't really afraid. In a place like this, what was there to fear?

A small, young she-cat was standing before me. Her fur was silver and bright and seemed to give off a soft, white glow. Stars swam at her paws like fish, and her blue eyes were deep and calming.

I felt that I had known her for a long time, although I had never seen her before.

I blinked. "Hi."

She stepped forward and nuzzled my shoulder warmly. Her moon-washed fur smelled of stardust and milk and sunsets.

"My Guardian," the young cat purred. "Thank you for saving me."

"Who are you?" I asked, although I was sure that I knew.

She laughed in a bird's lilting voice. It was a child's laugh, unrestrained and unburdened.

"Don't you know, silly?" she asked. She touched noses with me. "I am the Moonpool."

I grinned back. I realized that I didn't quite know what else to say. "You look healthy," I said at last.

"Thanks to you, Guardian of the Lake."

Suddenly, she turned and ran off. I quickly gave chase. "Wait! Uh—Moon, where are you going?"

She said without turning her head, "I want to show you someone special, of course! You ask a lot of questions." She laughed again in a sweet voice. "I'm sure you'll be so happy to see him."

My paws were light, and I sprinted without any effort. It felt as if I could run for a thousand miles, and we skirted among the stars, sending them careening into the air.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"The place where you're always welcome."

Moon always ran a few paces ahead of me. No matter how fast I sprinted, I never ran out of breath. It was as if I was dreaming, except somehow I knew that this wasn't a dream.

She abruptly skidded to a halt, and I almost crashed into her.

She steadied me with her tail and smiled. "Careful, there."

I sat up and stared at the empty space in front of us, wondering what I was supposed to be looking at.

The stars began to glimmer like dew, and they spiraled and danced in the air. Some of the larger ones connected together and aligned, and as I watched in wonder, and then disbelief, a starry cat rose down to meet me.

His fur was as white as winter, and his soft eyes were kind.

My eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't bring myself to say his name.

He touched noses with me and twined his tail with mine. I buried my face in his chest fur, breathing in his familiar smell with the same ache in my heart.

"There you are," Snowstorm whispered, rasping his tongue over my ear. "I knew you could do it. You saved the Clans. You're a hero."

I whimpered a reply and stared up at him, scared that if I even looked away for one second, he would vanish. He looked the same as before, except his fur now shimmered.

Tears leaked down my cheeks, but he brushed them away. "Why are you crying? There now, give me a smile. You saved the Clans."

I sniffled like a kit. "I missed you," I mewed.

"And so have I. Oh Shadefrost, you were wonderful."

As he spoke, more stars aligned and descended until a whole group of starry cats surrounded us.

Yellowfang took a step forward and dipped her head at me with respect, along with all of the others. I couldn't speak. I didn't know what to say.

Firestar broke through the crowd and stepped forward, touching his nose to my forehead.

"Shadefrost, the prophecy's chosen cat, StarClan's warrior, the Guardian of the Lake," he rumbled, and then broke off to stare fondly down at me. "You've done well. You have surpassed all of my expectations."

I dipped my head awkwardly. "Th-thank you. But really, I'm not that—"

"Not that capable?" he finished for me. His green eyes widened in surprise. "Shadefrost, you possessed the strength of a lion and tiger combined. You made friends here with the Clans: a winged lion, a golden-scaled snake, a ball of bouncing fire, and a leopard that was afraid of his own shadow." I thought of Snowstorm and Dewstep and Ember and Spottedpaw. Snowstorm drew me in closer and I was wrapped in his sweet aroma.

Firestar continued, "You were witty and wily and fast. And you were brave." His gaze softened. "You were braver than a falcon that rides on the highest winds, braver than a lone wolf traveling on snow-capped peaks. You were triumphant, Shadefrost, and you will forever have a place among the stars."

I quivered with excitement and relief and joy, trying to contain the purr that threatened to drown out of me. "Thank you!" I meowed.

"Shadefrost! Shadefrost!" They called out my name. And then one by one, the StarClan cats began to fade, and the stars floated back to the farthest corners of the universe.

"Do you have to go now?" I asked Snowstorm anxiously.

He licked my forehead and twined his tail with his. "Yes. I have to go on a journey, to a place where no one alive has been. But don't worry. I'll be back. The Clans are waiting for you." He blinked at me kindly, and we touched noses one more time before he too, faded away.

Moon had dwindled to the back of the crowd, and now she padded forward. "Look," she whispered, and pointed with her tail.

Three cats were standing before us, but they were only faint outlines. I didn't know them at all.

"Greetings," one of them said. I was sure I had heard that voice before.

The other one tipped her head to the side and asked kindly, "Do you remember us?"

"You're…you're…" I struggled to place that voice. And then suddenly it clicked. "You're the cats in the Boneyard. When I was an apprentice, I met you. The three lost souls."

"Correct. But thanks to you, we are no longer lost. You see, whenever a Darkling dies or gets killed, it expels all of the memories that it ate in its lifetime. Sometimes, rarely, when a cat touches it, it sees the memories of those dead cats. That's how you saw the flashback of the Ancients. And now that you managed to kill the Darkling that killed us, we were able to get back our memories. We are able to remember our path through the stars, and our names, and who we are. And for that, we are grateful."

I smiled. "I'm glad."

The third spirit padded forth. "Memories are important, young one," she said. "Ever so important. You must never forget who you are."

The first one continued, "And we will never forget you, Guardian of the Lake. We give you our heartfelt thanks."

We touched noses again and dipped our heads, and then the three spirits smiled, and disappeared among the thousands of glittering stars above me.

Moon reached forward and touched her nose to my forehead. In a flash of whiteness, the stars disappeared, and I found myself standing at the edge of the Pool.

Moon had vanished. But no, that wasn't true. She was right in front of me.

I leaned down toward the Moonpool and marveled at her silver sheened beauty. Starlight glittered in her depths, and a bright luster swirled in her waters. The inky, grey stains that had plagued her were gone, and now she shone like a polished blue gem.

The grass was beginning to grow back, out from the dusty and burned land. A cool, warm breeze ruffled my fur. I purred.

Ripples formed in the water of the Pool and I leaned closer to watch. It seemed as if someone was throwing stones into it, except that no one was. The ripples expanded.

I reached out a paw to gently stroke the surface and the icy water lapped at it. I reached my paw out deeper, trying to touch the bottom, to see if it even had a bottom, when all of a sudden I was clutching something warm, as if someone had pressed it in the palm of my paw.

Dripping and soaked, I retracted my paw and looked at what I was holding. It was unbelievably tiny, but warm, as if it were a spark. It seemed to pulse with a life.

What was it? I gazed at the Pool questioningly, but it was silent.

Suddenly, the thing twitched, ever so slightly. Alarmed, I dropped it to the ground, and it fell with a light gracefulness to it.

The thing wiggled and sprouted—no, it was a seed! It burrowed and pushed its way into the dirt, and out of it, leaves sprouted. Bright green and tinged with silver and blue, the stalks grew and grew at an alarming rate until it was tall and looming. The trunk thickened and hardened until it became a tree. Fronds and leaves sprouted out of the top with the thin, long branches like a willow's, until it gracefully swept the surface of the Moonpool.

The soft wind breathed into it and brushed aside its sleek hair of leaves. The willow-like branches were dipping into the water. A soft, azure hue covered the whole tree, and it almost appeared to be glowing gently.

The Tree of Promise, a voice in my head said, and I marveled at its beauty. A gift to the Guardian from StarClan. And I understood. The Tree promised a lot of things. Not eternal armistice and harmony, not a truce of everlasting peace, but a promise of hope. Hope that no matter what, the Clans would survive and live on, rising from the ashes like a phoenix shedding its flaming feathers. Hope that no matter what happened, there would always be a way out of things and a helping hand to guide the way out of the darkness. A promise that never again would any Darkling dare set claw on the territories of the Clans. A promise of hope and light and courage.

The stars were singing. I could hear them, although they weren't visible in the light of the day.

Let's go back to the Clans, Snowstorm said, and I did.

OoOoOOoOooOoOOooOOoooooooooooooooooOOOoooOoOooOo

The survivors of the Clans surrounded me when I returned, and they cheered. Many of them still bore the marks of battle, but they were patched with herbs that the medicine cats had given them.

There weren't a lot of cats left. Not a lot. But they could manage, and survive, just as they always had.

Bramblestar and Squirrelflight limped toward me and meowed gratefully, "Thank you, Shadefrost."

"You're welcome," I said, grinning. "Everyone is safe now."

Rowanclaw lifted his head and squared his shoulders proudly as he surveyed the surviving members of ShadowClan. Tawnypelt nuzzled him fondly.

A small apprentice burst through the crowd.

His eyes widened, but he quickly dipped his head when he saw Rowanclaw. "I'm s-sorry!" he cried. "I understand if you won't forgive me, but please, if you'd just let me speak to Blackstar—"

"Blackstar is dead," Rowanclaw said in a flat tone.

Spottedpaw's blue eyes widened in surprise. "What? But how—that can't be." He closed his eyes in brief mourning, and then opened them again. "Can I speak to you, then? I know everything I've done. And I know how much you all hate me. But please, if you'd just…" His voice trailed off, and his shoulders sagged in defeat.

Rowanclaw stared down at the battered apprentice with a cold glint in his gaze.

But then his face softened. With a bored expression, he meowed, "Well, what are you waiting for? The Darklings have been sealed in. The foxes have fled. What else do we need to worry about?"

Spottedpaw quivered in joy. "Then…does that mean…?" Tears trickled down from his eyes.

Rowanclaw chuckled. "Come on," he said, beckoning with his tail. "ShadowClan has been waiting for you."

Cloverstream pushed through the crowd. "Spottedpaw?" she meowed, as if she couldn't believe it was really him.

"Mother!"

They tackled each other and embraced, licking each other and twining tails.

I couldn't help but smile, along with everyone else. Everything would be alright.

"What about you?" I asked the fox.

Ember shrugged. "Don't worry about me. I'll manage." The playful glint was back in her eyes again, and she bounded away, probably in chase of a rabbit or squirrel.

Dewstep sighed in content and curled up to rest.

I gulped nervously. Now was the time to say it.

"Um…" I said.

His ear twitched. "Yes?" he mewed lazily, sunning himself. "You need something?"

"I need to say…that I won't be staying."

The crowd stopped in their tracks and stared at me in disbelief. Dewstep leaped to his paws.

"What do you mean?" he cried. "You're leaving?"

I looked down and scuffled my paws. "Yes," I mewed in a small voice. I looked up, and gazed at all of them. "Remember when I said that my family was in a Twolegplace, and they were all killed by dogs? Well…I lied. The truth is, they're still alive. I wish I could stay. I really do."

Dewstep was frantic. "Then stay!" he pleaded. "You're a warrior now!"

A kit toddled forward on unsteady paws and blinked up at me sadly. "Do you really have to go?"

My heart saddened. "I love you all. And I would miss you, every one of you, and I would miss ThunderClan and the life of a warrior. But how selfish would I be, if I just left my family one day and never came back. They must be worried sick about where I am."

My heart wrenched in pain as Dewstep nuzzled me. "I understand," he murmured sadly. "I will escort you to the border, and say my last goodbye."

OoOOoOOoooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooOoOoOOoooOOoOOOo

The sky was blue and clear, and the birds were coming back. They twittered and sang from their perches as Dewstep and I trudged up the hill. Ember and Spottedpaw followed behind.

We stopped and faced each other. I breathed in the scent of the land, and the land sighed back. The wind tangled my black fur. I would miss this place. I would miss the Moonpool and the Lake and the scent of the ocean on the gales. I would miss my friends most of all.

Dewstep hesitated. "Will I see you again?" he asked.

I smiled, and then I nodded. "I will come back," I told them. "I will see my family again, and then I will come back."

"You promise?" Ember demanded.

"I promise."

Spottedpaw spoke up. "We'll be waiting here for you." He nodded at the hills and the trees and the sky and birds. "Right here."

Dewstep was trying hard not to cry. "Whenever I lie in the meadow and see the stars, I will think of you." His voice choked, and he licked my forehead before pulling away.

"I'll miss you guys," I mewed. We all embraced each other, and then I padded a few steps away. Hesitating, one quivering paw at a time, I made my way down the hill, to some land far away. They were watching me, but I didn't look back. I heard once, that if you were traveling to somewhere far away, and if you glanced back at the people behind you, you'd never see them again.

I felt a presence walking in step next to me. I didn't have to look to know who it was.

"I'm ready," I mewed. She nodded, and then I felt a flash of bright, burning pain, and then everything went black.

OoOoooOOOOOOOooOOOoOoOooooOoO

I walked on the sidewalk bathed in moonlight, on two legs. I shivered.

Everywhere I looked, I seemed to see my friends. But they weren't with me. I wish they were.

A certain weasel paused and stood up on its hind legs, stars reflected in her warm brown eyes, and then she slunk away until the shadows hid her from view.

The nights here were colder than I remembered.

As I walked, I stared at the sidewalk below me, and listened to the silence of the streets. If one of them happened to stare out the window, they'd see a battered and dirty young girl with shoulder-length black hair, limping down the street. But there would be a certain skip to her steps, and her brown eyes were bright, although large and sad.

I couldn't help but think about the Clans, and no matter how hard I tried, my brain wouldn't let them go.

Dear Snowstorm, Dewstep, Ember, and Spottedpaw, my mind wrote. I tripped on a pebble and landed on the cement, breaking my fall with my hands. When I sat up to look at them, they were scratched and raw. Grit stained them.

These past few days of my life have been some of the best, I continued. Wincing, I picked myself back up gingerly, noticing that my knees were also scraped. Limping slightly now, I continued walking.

Snowstorm, you were the winged lion, the strong and loyal griffon that kept me flying. You pushed me off the ledge when I was just learning how to fly, and you flapped beside me on the wind. You carried me when I was feeling heavy and burdened, and because of you, my days will always be brighter. I turned the corner. The streets were familiar now. Reaching out my arm, I brushed my hand against the fence of a stranger's and felt the cool metal nipping my fingers.

Dewstep, you were the golden-scaled snake, the serpent with claws, the noble dragon with a fiery rage and a sharp, needle-like tongue. But you also had a heart of gold. You flew with me when the griffon couldn't, and you led me and battled the currents for my sake.

I passed a street lamp. The yellow light melted onto my hair like butter. I glanced up, noticing a few bats fluttering like black butterflies, intent on snapping up the moths.

The light was too bright. I flinched, and hurried away.

Ember, you were the bouncy ball of fire, filled with passion and longing and energy. I met you during dark days, but you lit my way out like a candle. You were different from the rest, and that's okay. That's great. It's always good to go against the flow and stand out from the crowd.

I gazed up at the night sky, listening to the everlasting tune of the crickets. I was disappointed to see that only a few tiny stars pulsed in the night. I hated light pollution. It hid the real beauty of the stars.

Spottedpaw, you were the leopard that was afraid of his own shadow. You hid from ShadowClan, your own Clan, but you were reunited in the end. I know you tend to get shaken up a lot, but never fear. You've got true friends by your side, and so you should face the new day with boldness and enthusiasm. Don't be afraid to fly, Spottedpaw.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stopped and stared at my front lawn. The grass was as green as ever, and if I happened to peer in closer, there would be tiny flowers nestled between the blades. The house was quiet, and waiting.

Thank you, everyone. You gave me wings and helped me soar. I love you.

With love and best regards, Ashley a.k.a Shadefrost

Guardian of the Lake

P.S. Ember, with everything's that happened I know it'll be hard to fit in with ThunderClan. The cats will judge you harshly. But don't get angry or frustrated. Just try your best, and Dewstep and Spottedpaw will help you along the way. Step lightly, until we meet again. Don't forget me.

P.P.S. Fang, I don't know if you're looking down at me from the stars or what, or if you're looking up at me from below (I sure hope not), but I just want you to know that…that I guess I'd…miss you too. Maybe. I don't know. Stop laughing, idiot, shut up, I know it's cheesy but, just…take care of yourself, alright? Don't stir up any more trouble, or else I'll have to pound you into the ground again, even if you are a ghost.

P.P.P.S. That's all I have left to say.

I was in front of the door. I reached out and touched the knob, feeling its smooth coldness on my skin, and hesitated. I slowly turned it.

The door opened, and I stepped in.

The End :D

The sequel will now commence. It will be called 'Eye of the Storm', and Shadefrost and the others will make a comeback. There will be a new main character, along with new Clanmates, and there will even be another talking animal. (Not a badger or a fox or a weasel. Something different).

Thank you all for reading my fanfic and sticking with me during all this time. I hope you enjoyed your stay as much as I enjoyed mine.

I also need help with ideas for the new plot, and also some ideas for the new villain(s), so don't be afraid to suggest some things, no matter how idiotic or outlandish your ideas may sound ;v;

The stranger they are, the better.

And don't be afraid to fly. If you are struggling through tough waters right now, and it's threatening to drown you and you can't see the shoreline, no worries. Just keep on going against the current, and sooner or later you'll find the lighthouse to guide you home. And if there is no lighthouse? Have no fear. Some days, when the skies are thick and stormy and you can't see the things in the distance and the sun is covered, don't give up. I promise you, the sun will come out, and you will find the shore in the distance, and a safe place to dock.

Even the ocean isn't rough all the time. There are stormy days with lots of waves crashing against the rocks, and then there are days when it's calm, and you can dangle your fingers in the cool water and feel the minnows nip your toes. You will come across other ships like yours, some bigger and grander, some lesser and more rundown, and then you won't have to face it alone.

I guarantee you, the troubled times won't last forever. Just be sure to soar.

With love, PillowRabbit, and I'll see you all again soon